I just got back from a C-SPAN Presidential debate at West Potomac High School. What an exciting event. Students had prepared for weeks. This morning, teams representing Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain debated before the entire senior class.

Then students visited other stations. There was a Democratic “spin room” (I was there) and a Republican “spin room” (and students were free to visit both). Students could register to vote at a table set up by the Fairfax County Registrar. The C-SPAN bus was parked outside.

Students were engaged and excited about the political process. Dozens signed up to volunteer for the candidate of their choice. (I told them, “We’re in the Democratic spin room and it is our job to encourage you to sign up for Sen. Obama. But I feel so strongly about the value of participation that I want to urge you to sign up for Sen. McCain, if that’s who you’re supporting. Just don’t sit on the sidelines in this election.”)

Oh, and in the mock election? Obama won with 82 percent of the vote.

When we had that little kerfuffle about a political rally on school grounds a few weeks ago, I said that there was a real place for school activities that inform and educate young voters. This day definitely did that. Congratulations to Cox for bringing the bus, and most of all to the students and teachers at West Potomac.